Ryukyu Brown Frog – Amphibians of Okinawa by Shawn Miller

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The Ryukyu Brown frog (Rana ulma) is found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. It is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN list of threatened species. Some of the most beautiful frogs are found on Kume Island.

  • Scientific name: Rana ulma – Synonym Babina okinavana
  • Common name: Ryukyu Brown Frog
  • Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat: Forests, mountain slopes, drainage ditches, and farm fields.
  • Diet: Insects
  • Average size: 45mm-65mm
  • Color: brownThe Ryukyu Brown Frog is found in northern Okinawa. The Yanbaru forest is a wildlife protected area.
Wildlife protection area -Yanbaru forest

Wildlife protection area -Yanbaru forest © Shawn Miller

They blend in very well with the leaf litter, rocks, and the surrounding grass.

Rana ulma Ryukyu brown frog

(Rana ulma) Ryukyu brown frog © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Brown frog (Rana ulma)

Ryukyu Brown frog (Rana ulma) © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Brown frog (Rana ulma) © Shawn Miller

Ryukyu Brown frog (Rana ulma) © Shawn Miller

Amami brown frog (Rana Kobai)

Rana ulma Tokuno Island

Rana kobi- Tokuno Island © Shawn Miller

Mating season is during the winter months.

Ryukyu Brown frog mating

Ryukyu Brown frog mating -Kume, Island © Shawn Miller

A wide-angle perspective of the small brown frog.

Rana ulma - Wide angle macro

Rana ulma – Wide angle macro © Shawn Miller

Pay attention to crossing wildlife. Frogs are often found on the road searching for insects

Bright orange Ran ulma

Bright Orange Rana ulma © Shawn Miller

Rana ulma - crossing the road

Rana ulma – crossing the road © Shawn Miller

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment.

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically  to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support.  Shawn M Miller.